Hyatt Regency Minneapolis undergoes 25 million renovation

6 December 2011

A $25 million renovation of the hotel’s guestrooms, suites, public areas, and restaurants is planned.

“This major renovation will enhance Hyatt Regency Minneapolis’ stellar reputation as a premier hotel for travelers in the Twin Cities, especially given our proximity to the Minneapolis Convention Center,” said Randy Thompson, general manager, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. “We look forward to welcoming guests back to a transformed hotel with all of the services and amenities they have come to expect from Hyatt.”

Stonehill & Taylor created the architecture and design concept for the renovation. “We designed Hyatt Regency Minneapolis as a modern homage to the local heritage, culture and economic history of Minnesota, as well as the proud history of American manufacturing,” said Michael Suomi, principal at Stonehill & Taylor. “We thought the area is best represented in a contemporary aesthetic with references to local industries, materials, and crafts.”

Stonehill & Taylor is primarily using locally sourced construction elements and textiles which celebrate Minnesota’s famous milling industry, while the Scandinavian heritage of the area serves as an inspiration for both the lobby and the guestroom design. “From Red Wing Stoneware pieces in guestrooms to granite from local mines and work by local artists, we are proud to integrate local trade and crafts into our design as a celebration of all things Minnesota,” added Suomi.

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The mid-century Scandinavian design of the renovated lobby honors the Nordic influence prevalent in Minnesota. The highlight of the lobby is an expansive stone fireplace framed by rustic wooden logs. Surrounding the fireplace will be a sunken-living room with split-timber walls and furniture, light fixtures and carpeting in relaxing earth tones. Natural materials like wood and yarn are integrated to give a handmade feel to the furnishings. The minimalist check-in area includes individual reception pods.

Additionally, the renovation brings brand new food and beverage concepts including an elegant 360-degree lobby bar, allowing guests to enjoy drinks by the fireplace overlooking Nicollet Mall through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The name and menu details for the upscale three-meal restaurant will be announced soon. Inspired by the local milling industries, Stonehill & Taylor used a sophisticated natural palette in the restaurant design, with off-whites and wood tones. The restaurant features American walnut columns and three over-sized pendants that are suspended from vintage pulleys, reminiscent of old factories. Guests may also choose to visit Hyatt’s new grab-n-go deli-style concept providing a multitude of menu options available at all hours to provide maximum convenience. The space will have a vintage design with a tin ceiling and dark wooden counters.

The new look of the hotel’s 533 guestrooms and suites features a color scheme with soothing indigos, cool grays and warm gold tones. Each room includes a Hyatt Grand Bed with leather headboards, luxurious linens and window coverings, soft wool throws, and plush navy blue carpeting. New living room furniture consists of high-end leather chairs and modern walnut desks. “Green” wastebaskets in each guestroom have built-in recycling compartments. The guestrooms feature striking original artwork including an image of the iconic Gold Medal Flour building overlooking the Mississippi River by local artist Matt Ollig, a dark blue and white aerial view of Minneapolis by Dennis Ekstedt, and a modern rendering of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman created by Mark Khaisman, who used Minnesota-based 3M masking tape as his medium for the piece.

The remodeled guest bathrooms are highlighted by light gray wall coverings, dark tile flooring, subtle lighting, and Scandinavian-style mirrors. The granite used in the counter tops is quarried locally and purchased from Cold Spring Granite, a 113-year old Minnesota company. Guestroom corridors will receive new carpeting and lighting. Updated wall coverings are inspired by Minnesota’s thousands of lakes and rivers with subtle blue hues set against beige, representing the horizon line where water meets the sky. The corridors feature artwork by artist Rosemary Dumar, with a conceptual take on the state’s natural geography.

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